10 Naxals killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

At least 10 Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district today. The forces have also recovered several weapons, including an AK-47 rifle.
The gunfight erupted early Friday morning in the forested area of Bhandarpadar when the security personnel were conducting a search operation for Naxals.
Inspector General Bastar, P Sundarraj confirmed that the search operation is still underway in the area and all 10 bodies have been recovered, reports news agency ANI.
Besides the AK-47, the forces also recovered an INSAS and a Self-Loading Rifle among other weapons, he added.
OVER 200 NAXALS KILLED SO FAR IN 2024
At least 257 Naxals have been killed since January this year, while 861 were arrested and 789 others surrendered. The number of deaths has decreased by 90 per cent from the highest level of 1,005 in 2010 to 96 by September 2024.
For the first time in 2022 after four decades, the number of deaths was less than 100.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently announced that Chhattisgarh would be completely free of Naxals by 2026. To meet this target, security forces have carried out simultaneous operations.